Operating since 1970, Centaur Riding School and Breeding Farm stands as a testament to dedication, expertise, and passion for horses. This multifaceted business requires substantial investment, training, and enthusiasm. Here’s the story of Centaur’s history, its equestrian school, breeding program, horse shows, and the role of volunteers, brought to you by Ottawa One.
History of the Family Business
It all began in 1970 when Claire and Jean-Louis (Johnny) Herten, along with their daughter Shirley, relocated from Germany. They settled near the village of Navan, east of Ottawa and south of Orleans.
Here, the family established Centaur, initially as an informal operation. Claire, a certified riding instructor in Germany, started offering private riding lessons for just $5 per hour. Word spread, and demand grew quickly due to the scarcity of skilled instructors in Ontario at the time. By 1973, Centaur officially opened its doors, ushering in an era of thousands of riders—both novices and experienced equestrians—and hundreds of horse shows.
Notably, Centaur horse shows rely on volunteers. These efforts are celebrated annually, such as in 2018, when Centaur’s “Red Team” received the Volunteer of the Year award. Established in 1998, this award acknowledges the dedication of volunteers who have significantly advanced equestrian interests in Canada. Over the years, Centaur volunteers have contributed more than 95,000 hours, assisting riders in dressage events.
Centaur horse shows are renowned for exceptional prizes made possible by generous sponsors, whose details are available on the Centaur website.
Overview of Centaur
The Family Business Located at 3845 Frank Kenny Road, Navan, Ontario:
- A stable with 30 stalls.
- Indoor and outdoor arenas with premium sand footing, heated during winter, and a cozy lounge with a kitchenette.
- A hunter ring and spacious areas for events.
- Trails for riding, maintained across 25 acres of forest, ensuring comfortable and enjoyable horseback experiences.
A covered arena was built when Shirley Herten decided to commit to a future in equestrianism.
Horse Breeding at Centaur
The Hertens expanded beyond riding instruction, launching a horse breeding program in the 1980s. Centaur became one of the first facilities in the Ottawa area to breed mares with Hanoverian and Trakehner bloodlines.
The Hanoverian horse, one of the oldest German breeds, dates back to 1735 in England. Initially a heavy horse, it evolved through crossbreeding with local mares and was established as a stud horse in 1888. After World War II, Trakehner, Thoroughbred, and Arabian bloodlines were introduced. Hanoverians are among the most sought-after sport horses worldwide, known for their:
- Calm, balanced temperament.
- Strength, endurance, and energy.
- Exceptional jumping ability, making them ideal for royal carriages, show jumping, and three-day events.
- Weight ranging from 500–600 kg and height between 1.55–1.75 m.
Centaur bred two Hanoverian-Trakehner cross horses, Solomon and his son Absalom. Both received awards from the Canadian Sport Horse Association (CSHA), founded in 1926. Solomon ranks ninth on CSHA’s list of recognized horses and has sired many successful competition horses.
New Leadership: Shirley Herten
In 1989, Shirley Herten took over the business from her parents. She became a certified equestrian coach and was twice named Ontario Dressage Coach of the Year. A skilled rider and trainer, Shirley also serves as:
- A national dressage judge in Canada.
- The head coach of the Coaching Apprentice Program run by Cadora-Ontario, which fosters the development of trainers.
Shirley’s daughter, Danica Herten-Pearson, followed in her mother’s footsteps. A certified equestrian coach, Danica has trained and competed since 2010, earning multiple accolades, including:
- 2014 Ontario Champion with Dark Velvet.
- Equestrian Canada Dressage Rider of the Year (First and Second Levels) in 2017 and 2018.
Centaur Professional Riding School
Centaur trains approximately 100 students in dressage and hunter disciplines, offering top-tier instruction and well-trained horses. The school’s reputation for excellence is reinforced by its annual hosting of 10 horse shows, where riders showcase their skills.
Modern Breeding Program
Centaur’s breeding program, launched in 2001, began with the acquisition of a stallion and broodmare. Over time, it expanded to include high-quality mares with European bloodlines. Centaur’s pride is Don Rico, a premium Hanoverian black stallion sired by Don Frederico, renowned for his temperament and elegance.
Key breeding practices include access to large pastures, high-quality hay, free-choice minerals, heated water, and shelters. Professional handling ensures proper behaviour, while veterinary care includes traditional and homeopathic treatments.
According to equine researcher Dr. Hilary Clayton, quality care during a foal’s first year influences injury resistance later in life. At Centaur, foals receive exercises to strengthen their limbs and tissues.
Centaur Riding School and Breeding Farm exemplifies a thriving family business near Ottawa, cultivating exceptional horses and inspiring equestrian enthusiasts. What began as Claire and Johnny’s passion has become a legacy, carried forward by Shirley and her daughter Danica.
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